Diamond Valley Area, Nevada, Parts of Elko, Eureka and White Pine Counties
The most common soil here is Kobeh, on about 8% of the land: a sandy loam, gritty and crumbly. Alhambra and Dianev come next.
About 82% of the land drains well, and 17% stays wet for long stretches; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 10% of it.
USDA rates 76% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 82% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Worth knowing: 2% of the land floods occasionally or more, and bedrock lies within 40 inches under 36% of it.
Soils change over short distances, so look up an address below for the soil at that exact spot and the reasons behind each rating.
The soils you're most likely standing on
The biggest named soils in Diamond Valley Area, Nevada, Parts of Elko, Eureka and White Pine Counties, each drawn five feet deep from its official USDA description, in its recorded colors.
Dots mark gravel; white flecks mark lime. Shares are by acres across the survey area, and each mapped patch usually mixes several of these soils.
The biggest mapped areas
The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is D (very slow infiltration, high runoff). The most common soil order is Aridisols — dry-climate soils with limited organic matter and often calcium carbonate accumulation. This report summarizes the major soil map units across the survey area to help you understand what to expect when buying, building, or gardening in Diamond Valley Area, Nevada, Parts of Elko, Eureka and White Pine Counties. Search your address to find the exact soil composition, drainage, and series details at your specific location.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alhambra-Kobeh complex | 32K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Somewhat limited |
| Playas | 29K | Very poorly drained | Very limited | Very limited | |
| Fera-Roca association | 22K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Dianev silt loam | 21K | Somewhat poorly drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Playas-Dianev complex | 20K | Very poorly drained | Very limited | Very limited | |
| Hymas-Ansping association | 20K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Fusulina-Sheege association | 18K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Rubyhill-Barrier association | 15K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hopeka-Cavehill association | 15K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Umil loam, 2 to 8 percent slopes | 15K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Kobeh gravelly sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 14K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Not limited | Not limited |
| Bartine-Overland association | 13K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Labshaft-Rock outcrop complex | 13K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Kobeh sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 12K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Not limited | Not limited |
| Sheege-Croesus association | 12K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ratto gravelly fine sandy loam, 2 to 8 percent slopes | 10K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Umil association | 9K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Alhambra fine sandy loam | 9K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Somewhat limited |
| Fairydell gravelly loam, 15 to 30 percent slopes | 9K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ridit-Alpha association | 9K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
Soil Orders in This Area
The USDA classifies every soil into one of 12 soil orders. Here are the dominant orders found in this survey area.
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 82% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include shallow bedrock, steep slopes, poor drainage in some areas, flood-prone areas. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.
Septic Systems
About 76% of soils are rated "very limited" for septic absorption fields. Despite good drainage overall, limitations may stem from shallow bedrock, steep slopes, or seasonal conditions. Engineered or alternative systems are frequently required. Always get a professional perc test before purchasing land that needs septic.
Gardening & Agriculture
Well-drained soils on sloped terrain — good for most plants but watch for erosion. Terracing, contour planting, and mulching help retain moisture and topsoil. Drip irrigation is more effective than sprinklers on slopes.